Is The Illuminati A Cult? Beyonce Critics Think She's A Member

Illuminati conspiracy theories have long followed Beyoncé and other artists. The never-ending theories, with racist and sexist undertones, have been presented in the form of YouTube videos, websites, online forums, and I'm sure, through heavily-debated discussions at friends' houses. The Queen Bey notably addressed the "mess" or crazed illuminati theories, in her single, "Formation," declaring, "Ya'll haters corny with that illuminati mess." Her lyrics in "Formation" featured on Lemonade either resonated with people who have been totally puzzled or disinterested (hello?) in the illuminati-conspiracy-theory craze, or, it sparked a few eye rolls from those who remain convinced that the illuminati is real, and Beyoncé is really in it. So according to all of the varying messages and opinions out there, is the consensus that the illuminati is a cult?

Apparently, Beyoncé critics and illuminati-conspiracy enthusiasts are convinced it's an active group, and that she's a member. But what does that say about our society? Can a black woman not achieve mega success without conspiracy?

The history of the "illuminati" dates back to 1776. It was a secret society that was formed in Bavaria, as a subset of the Freemasons, with the goal to abolish established monarchies. But as current illuminati conspiracies have it, despite research by historians that found the illuminati ended in 1785, it is still a working cult-like group that consists of satanists, or, you know, celebrities like Beyoncé, Jay Z, Lady Gaga, Whitney Houston and Kanye West.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty ImagesNEW YORK, NY - MAY 02: Kim Kardashian (L) and Kanye West attend the 'Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology' Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

I heard a comment — a joke — about the Tidal press conference being an Illuminati moment. If there was actually an Illuminati, it would be more like the energy companies. Not celebrities that gave their life to music and who are pinpointed as decoys for people who really run the world. I'm tired of people pinpointing musicians as the Illuminati. That's ridiculous. We don't run anything; We're celebrities. We're the face of brands. We have to compromise what we say in lyrics so we don't lose money on a contract.

Focusing on illuminati or cult-like conspiracy theories takes away from the hard work and talent of artists, particularly artists of color who have had to overcome barriers in the entertainment industry. And not to mention, it distracts from actual present-day (again, historians have it that the illuminati ended centuries ago) racist and sexist systems – or, as Ye asserted "people who really run the world." Definitely food for thought.